If you’re searching for a meal that’s full of flavor, easy to prepare, and ideal for a busy weeknight, this Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is the answer. It brings together tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and fresh sautéed vegetables, all tossed in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce that coats each bite with rich, balanced flavor. This dish is fast, flexible, and completely satisfying.
Whether you’re a meal prepper, a parent on a schedule, or simply someone who appreciates a no-fuss, flavorful meal, this recipe is designed to work for you. In this post, we’ll walk through each step in detail—from ingredients and substitutions to cooking tips and storage advice—so you can make it perfectly every time.
Why This Recipe Works
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is a balanced meal that’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Fast cooking time—ready in about 30 minutes
- Only one pan required, making cleanup quick and easy
- Naturally packed with protein and fiber
- Combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors for a satisfying bite
- Easily adaptable to suit dietary needs or ingredient availability
Ingredients Overview
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish both flavorful and balanced.
Proteins
Shrimp (300 g)
Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp is fine, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Smoked Sausage (200 g)
Slice into thin rounds. Andouille and kielbasa offer the best flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage works well for a leaner option.
Vegetables
Broccoli (1 cup)
Cut into small florets. Adds crunch, color, and nutrients.
Bell Peppers (1 red, 1 yellow)
Thinly sliced. These add natural sweetness and brighten the dish visually.
Zucchini (1 medium)
Slice into half-moons. It absorbs sauce well without becoming mushy.
Red Onion (1 small)
Sliced thin. Red onion adds sharpness and depth to the dish.
Honey Garlic Sauce
- Honey (3 tablespoons) – Adds natural sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze
- Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons) – Use low-sodium to control salt levels
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Provides acidity and balance
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon) – Brings a nutty undertone
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Essential for the bold garlic flavor
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon) – Optional, for mild heat
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Lime wedges for added brightness
Tools You’ll Need
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or fork for mixing sauce
- Tongs or a spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Shrimp
In a small bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey. Let them marinate while preparing the rest of the ingredients. This short marinade enhances flavor without over-tenderizing the shrimp.
Note: Avoid marinating shrimp for more than 30 minutes; the acid and salt can make them rubbery.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. This sauce brings the signature sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
3. Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of neutral oil. Add the sausage slices and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the prepared vegetables. Stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until just tender but still vibrant in color. If necessary, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
Tip: Cook hard vegetables like broccoli first and softer ones like zucchini last to ensure even doneness.
5. Sear the Shrimp
Push the vegetables to one side and add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Avoid overcooking.
6. Combine with Sauce
Return the sausage to the pan. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp, sausage, and vegetables. Toss everything to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.
7. Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped herbs, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Over Steamed Rice
Jasmine or brown rice works well to absorb the sauce.
With Quinoa or Couscous
For a high-fiber, protein-packed option.
Over Noodles
Try rice noodles or soba for an Asian-inspired bowl.
As a Low-Carb Meal
Skip the starch and enjoy it as a hearty, protein-rich dinner.
Variations and Customizations
Protein Substitutions
- Chicken breast or thighs – Cook thoroughly before adding vegetables
- Tofu – Use extra-firm tofu, pressed and pan-fried until golden
- Scallops – Adds a slightly richer seafood profile
Vegetable Swaps
- Use snow peas, baby corn, green beans, or mushrooms
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens
- Frozen mixed vegetables work in a pinch
Sauce Enhancements
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrus twist
- Use gochujang or sriracha for more heat
- Stir in peanut butter for a Thai-inspired variation
Meal Prep and Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Chop vegetables and mix the sauce ahead of time to speed up cooking.
Storage
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between rounds.
Freezing
Not recommended due to texture changes in shrimp and vegetables after thawing.
Why This Dish Stands Out
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies stands out because it combines convenience, bold flavor, and nutritional balance in one skillet. Unlike traditional stir-fry dishes that rely heavily on oil or sugar, this version balances sweetness from honey, umami from soy sauce, and the natural savoriness of sausage for a layered, satisfying taste. The combination of textures—tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and meaty sausage—ensures every bite is interesting.
This dish also adapts well to what’s in your pantry or refrigerator. Whether you’re following a low-carb plan, cooking for a family, or just looking for something fast and filling, it delivers.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is everything a busy cook could want: fast, flavorful, balanced, and adaptable. With a short ingredient list and a flexible cooking method, it invites both creativity and consistency into your kitchen. Whether served over rice, tossed with noodles, or enjoyed on its own, this meal is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
If you’re looking for a one-pan recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience, this is it. Try it once, and it just might become your new weeknight favorite.
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies Recipe
Description
This Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is a quick, flavor-packed dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp and smoky sausage are glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, tossed with colorful vegetables, and cooked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Ideal for meal prep, dinner parties, or wholesome family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Protein
For the Vegetables
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
For Garnish (Optional)
Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp
- In a bowl, combine shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey. Toss to coat and set aside while prepping other ingredients (about 10 minutes).
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
Sauté the Sausage
- In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add 1 tsp oil. Add sausage slices and sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and onion. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes or until slightly tender yet still crisp.
Cook the Shrimp
- Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Add the marinated shrimp to the other side. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Combine Everything & Add Sauce
- Add the sausage back to the skillet. Pour in the honey garlic sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until evenly coated and glossy.
Garnish and Rest
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley or green onions on top. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Note
Protein Swap: Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for variation.
Storage: Keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Meal Prep Tip: Slice veggies and sausage in advance for quicker cooking.
Spice Level: Add sriracha or more chili flakes for extra heat.
Serve With: Rice, quinoa, or noodles for a heartier meal.
